UHRC Orders Shs115m Compensation for Rights Violation Victims in Gulu

The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Tribunal has directed state institutions to pay out Shs115 million in compensation to victims of rights abuses, as it opened a week-long sitting at its regional offices in Gulu.

The hearings, presided over by UHRC Chairperson Hon. Mariam Wangadya, are being conducted by a four-member panel including Hon. Shifrah Lukwago, Hon. Simeo Nsubuga, and Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru.

2003 UPDF Shooting Case
One of the landmark rulings revisited a 2003 tragedy in which Pte Okello Ocii of the UPDF’s Juliet Battalion shot and killed two women — Apio Grace and Agnes Atuku — and left teenager Doris Adong critically injured.

Adong, who was just 14 years old at the time, recounted before the tribunal: “On October 14th, 2003 Ocii ordered us out; me, Apio and Atuku. He shot Apio who ran and fell at a neighbor’s place. He returned to me and I ran. He fired a bullet at the back of my head.”

The tribunal observed that her testimony had remained consistent for nearly two decades, citing both her 2005 statement and her 2019 appearance. It ruled that her rights were violated by a state agent acting in the line of duty.

The panel awarded Shs70 million to Apio’s brother, Lawrence Opio, for the violation of his sister’s right to life, and Shs20 million to Adong herself for cruel and inhuman treatment.

Torture in Prisons
The tribunal also heard the case of Moses Mogi, who suffered severe torture and degrading treatment across three facilities: Pece Local Government Prison, Gulu Central Prison, and Loro Prison Farm.

He narrated how prison warders and fellow inmates brutally assaulted him, forcing him to work in hazardous conditions despite chest pains, swollen hands, and untreated wounds. Officials even blocked his family from delivering medicine.

“The conditions to which Mogi was subjected while in Pece and Loro prisons were akin to slavery and servitude,” Hon. Nsubuga ruled. Mogi was granted Shs25 million in compensation.

Enforcement of Awards
UHRC’s Director of Complaints, Investigations and Legal Services, Ms. Pauline Nansamba Mutumba, underscored that all awards will attract a 10% annual interest until fully paid. “The Commission will follow up with the UPDF and Uganda Prisons to ensure the victims get their due compensation,” she assured.

The Gulu sessions are reviewing 20 pending complaints from the Acholi sub-region, with more decisions expected in the coming days.